Herman Law Group

Herman Law Group is a distinguished name and leader in the areas of employment law, sexual harassment, employment discrimination, and whistleblower law.  We are dedicated to serving employees and businesses in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and across the country.  Our reputation is built on being compassionate and tenacious advocates.

Whether your employment rights have been violated, you’ve faced retaliation for challenging illegal actions in your workplace or you seek to blow the whistle on corporate misconduct, we will help you navigate the process, and protect your legal rights, your reputation, and your career.

We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.  What sets us apart is our commitment and personal attention to the unique needs of each of our clients. We tailor our approach to your individual goals and are committed to providing each client with both creative and practical solutions.

From the initial conversation to the conclusion of your case, we will provide expert, personal guidance and help you navigate the legal process to obtain the justice you deserve.

Federal Bar Association
Tax Payers Against Fraud
National Employment Lawyers Association
Rated by Super Lawyers Louise A. Herman
Martinadale Hubbell Silver Client Champion 2023
Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association
Rhode Island Bar Association
Representing Employees Across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Nationwide

Herman Law Group provides experienced legal services to employees facing the full range of Employment Law issues and Whistleblower Protections, including:

The False Claims Act and Whistleblower Protection

The False Claims Act (FCA) is a key U.S. law that targets fraud against government programs, allowing whistleblowers to sue on the government’s behalf and share in any financial recovery. It includes protections to prevent retaliation against those who report misconduct, promoting an environment of transparency and accountability. The FCA is crucial in fighting fraud and ensuring the integrity of government expenditures, encouraging the safe reporting of unethical activities by government contractors in areas such as healthcare (Medicare and Medicaid), medical devices, pharmaceuticals, financial services, mortgages, educational grants, and other government-supported sectors. Herman Law Group has built a reputation for exceptional legal representation and obtaining successful results.  

Employment Discrimination and Unpaid Wages

Federal and state employment discrimination and harassment laws protect against unfair treatment in the workplace based on protected characteristics like race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, and sexual orientation. In the United States, notable laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Equal Pay Act safeguard against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and promote equal opportunity. These laws afford remedies such as back pay, front pay, reinstatement, and other compensation for victims of discrimination.  

At Herman Law Group, we fight to ensure that workers are paid all the compensation they have earned. We represent workers whose employers have violated federal and/or state laws governing minimum wage, overtime, misclassification, exemptions, tips, commissions, prevailing wages, and other kinds of compensation. We also represent groups of workers who have suffered the same kind of wage theft by their employer in class or collective actions.

Blowing the Whistle on Corporate Fraud & Misconduct
The False Claims Act

Herman Law Group represents whistleblowers across the United States in qui tam claims under the False Claims Act and other laws that provide significant financial rewards for exposing fraud against government agencies or programs. We work with you to expose dishonest practices and protect the government from fraud. Challenging this illegal conduct takes courage and a commitment to doing what’s right. Federal and state laws protect whistleblowers from unfair retaliation. If you reported illegal workplace conduct and then found yourself the victim of wrongful termination or retaliation, Herman Law Group will help you hold your employer accountable and preserve future whistleblowers’ rights. Visit our Whistleblower/False Claims Act pages to learn more.

The Federal False Claims Act (FCA) is the U.S. government’s primary weapon for combating fraud. It allows whistleblowers to sue persons or entities that are defrauding the government and recover damages and penalties on the government’s behalf. The FCA includes a “qui tam” provision that allows people who are not affiliated with the government, known as “relators,” to file claims on behalf of the government. The purpose of this provision is to give incentives to individuals to expose fraud, waste, and abuse against the government.

False Claims Act Violations

Violations of the FCA can result in hefty penalties, with fines for each false claim and damages up to three times the amount fraudulently billed to the government. If the case is successful and the government opts to proceed with litigation, whistleblowers are eligible for a significant reward, ranging from 15% to 30% of the total funds recovered.

Healthcare Fraud, in particular, Medicare and Medicaid Fraud, costs taxpayers millions of dollars every year. Common types of Health Care Fraud include:

  • Kickbacks
  • Stark Violations
  • Upcoding
  • Billing for Medically Unnecessary Services
  • Unbundling Tests or Procedures
  • Billing For Services Not Rendered
  • False Cost Reporting
  • False Certifications
Types of Fraud

Fraud against the government can take many other forms, including:

  • Defense Contractor Fraud
  • Education Grant Fraud
  • Mortgage Fraud
  • Various Financial Frauds

If you feel that a company is defrauding the federal or state government, we can represent you in reporting your concerns under seal and in obtaining a significant recovery for pursuing such claims.

False Claims Act Protections

Notably, the FCA protects whistleblowers who suffer employment retaliation. Protection under the whistleblower law includes:

  • Reinstatement with the same seniority status that the whistleblower would have if not for the retaliation
  • Two times the amount of back pay owed
  • Interest on that back pay
  • Compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the retaliation

In successful whistleblower retaliation cases, the defendant is also required to pay litigation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. If you’re looking to report a false claim or not be retaliated against for doing so, trust Herman Law Group to guide you through the process.

SEC Whistleblower Actions

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established the Office of the Whistleblower to encourage employees to report securities law violations committed by their employer. At Herman Law Group, we are experienced in helping employees properly submit sealed claims and protecting their rights throughout the entire process.

IRS Whistleblower Actions

Billions of dollars in revenue and income go unreported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. To help collect these unreported funds, the IRS has set up a whistleblower rewards program to encourage the reporting of tax fraud of more than $1 million. By doing so, whistleblowers are awarded a percentage of the funds the IRS ultimately recovers.

At Herman Law Group, we represent individuals across the country who are aware of serious IRS violations.

Whistleblower Protection

Federal and state whistleblower protection laws provide legal remedies for employees or job applicants who face retaliation for reporting, opposing, or engaging in efforts to stop fraud or other violations of laws, rules or regulations (protected disclosures) to their employer. A disclosure is protected if the disclosure is based on a reasonable belief that wrongdoing has occurred.

An employer cannot retaliate against you for exercising your rights under the various Whistleblower Protection laws. Retaliation includes such actions as firing or laying off, demoting, denying overtime or promotion, or reducing pay or hours. Employees are protected by state whistleblower laws as well.

Federal law supports whistleblower action and provides remedies to the employee in the event an employer retaliates. The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) outlines specific remedies that are available for employees who become the victims of retaliation:

  • Job restoration: Those who were fired from their positions can get their jobs back if calling out illegal activities resulted in termination of employment.
  • Reversal of adverse actions:  Another remedy involves the reversal of any negative consequence like a demotion or downgrade of security clearance.
  • Granting back pay: If you were terminated, downgraded or otherwise received a negative action that resulted in a reduction or loss of pay you can receive the amount that you were denied.
  • Damages: The OIG also states that “reasonable and foreseeable consequential damages” can be awarded. This can include medical expenses and attorney fees as well as other costs that resulted from the retaliation.

If you have been retaliated against for reporting wrongdoing, you need an experienced law firm that can fight for the just outcome you deserve.

Employment Discrimination and Retaliation

In the 21st century, we would like to think that discrimination in the workplace no longer occurs. Unfortunately, this simply is not the case. If you were discriminated against in the workplace because of your age, disability, race, pregnancy, gender, or other protected characteristic, you can turn to our dedicated office for assistance. Discrimination by employers is prohibited by various federal and state laws, including Title VII, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as well as the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Acts.

These laws also protect employees who are retaliated against because they reported discrimination.

If you believe you are a victim of injustice in the workplace, the most important thing you can do is swiftly retain the services of Herman Law Group. We are well-positioned to bring you the justice you deserve. Contact Herman Law Group today to learn more about what we do and how we can help you navigate the legal process.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is abhorrent. Unfortunately, it is far from being a thing of the past. If you have been belittled, threatened, or otherwise harassed due to your gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, now is the time to act. Federal and state laws are designed to protect you against sexual harassment in the workplace. Herman Law Group is here to hold any and all responsible parties accountable for their misconduct.

Wage & Hour

Employers often care more about their bottom line than about their employees’ right to earn a fair wage. In some cases, they may put their profitability ahead of their employee’s needs, and even above the law. If you have been denied the fair wage or denied the overtime pay you are entitled to receive, contact Herman Law Group. We will provide you with excellent legal representation and will fight for every dollar you deserve.

FMLA

The Family Medical Leave Act is a federal law that permits eligible employees to take an unpaid, job-protected leave of absence from work to care for a newborn, a newly adopted child, or another close family member with a serious health condition. If your employer has violated your rights under FMLA, our firm is here to advocate for you.

Employment Contracts and Severance Agreements

Employment agreements should always be fair to both the employer and the employee. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. For this reason, it is always best to confer with a competent attorney before signing any agreement. At the same time, the penalties for violating an employment agreement are often severe. If you are accused of a violation, the first thing you should do is speak with a knowledgeable lawyer who can help combat the allegations.

Why Herman Law Group?

Herman Law Group has an impressive history of successfully representing clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and across the country in Employment Law and Whistleblower cases. Whether you have been subject to workplace misconduct or you seek to expose corporate wrongdoing, you deserve a strong legal advocate. At Herman Law Group, we understand that a lot hangs in the balance, including your ability to provide for your family, your reputation, and your career.

For over thirty-five years, Herman Law Group has been successfully representing employees, executives, and businesses. If you are looking for a law firm that has an equal measure of experience, skill and empathy, you’ve come to the right place. Herman Law Group has dedicated, skilled attorneys who will put you at ease while they advocate for your case.

Contact Our Employment & Whistleblower Law Firm Today

If you have been unfairly treated by your employer, you need an attorney who is a strong advocate and defender to protect your employment rights and who will protect you in exposing corporate wrongdoing. Herman Law Group proudly serves clients throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as nationwide.

Don’t hesitate; Schedule your initial consultation with our capable and dedicated team today.

E. Providence Office
1445 Wampanoag Trail, Suite 104
E. Providence, RI 02915
Call our office 401.277.4110